In just a moment suspense with Gregory Peck Oh
Have did you find that old picture album? Yeah. Yeah, take a peek at yourself on the old old look
Mary here's a shot of a first car roll down curtains and everything remember
But what an arm-breaker crank crank like a rusty old coffee grinder
What a whale of a difference a quick starting auto light stay full battery, man
Are you going to thank auto light again, honey for stay full batteries? Oh, you said it Mary
Why I wouldn't trade that thirst free powerhouse and our car for all the tea in China
Same goes for our auto light spark plugs and auto light ignition. I don't suppose you'd care to trade this small talk for a half hour
Of suspense. Oh sure. Sure. Sure
Suspense
Auto light and its 60,000 dealers and service stations bring you radio's outstanding theater of thrills
starring tonight, mr. Gregory Peck in Anton Leder's production of
Hitchhike poker a tale well calculated to keep you in
suspense
Oh, hi, well hop in thanks. That's
How I met Jay Stewart Belden and his canary yellow convertible that's how I took the ride I'll be a long time forgetting
He looked to be about 45 and he wasn't bad-looking for a guy that old
He was well built about my size. No gray in his hair
And that coat he was wearing. Oh, I'll bet plenty of Campbell's went under the clippers for that one
So you're a student a graduate from Berkeley this year, I suppose you're a vet
Oh, yes more than half the guys are vets. What's your name, son? Ridge Fowler married. Not me
Don't tell me you're a woman hater. Oh, no, it's it's not that it's just well
I have enough trouble feeding myself. I said the same thing years ago
But you'll change your mind when the right girl comes along 9b 1863
Huh? Oh, didn't you ever play license plate poker license plate poker never heard of it
It's just like regular poker except instead of drawing cards. You draw license plates. I drew that hand
There was nothing in it next car. We see it'll be your hand
Here comes one now. Watch the license plate
4j 3134 two pair threes and fours you beat me. Hey, that's a good game
What are the stakes make it easy on yourself? Shall we say a hundred thousand dollars a hand?
See what I mean good Joe a lot of laughs and small talk
And all the time that convertible eating the miles of what a car
We practically flew through Salinas San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria
Well son, what do you say to a hamburger?
I know a little place to go
Well son, what do you say to a hamburger? I know a little place in Santa Inez
They where they make a hamburger that grips with royalty
You got me sold and on the side French fried onion shoestring potatoes and the coldest beer in the world. Stop you're killing me
And now tell me did I overrate the place boy that was terrific the trouble is they give you too much food in there
I've got the quick eating like that. My clothes are getting tight, especially this coat. Well that coat sure is a beauty
I'm nuts about camels here. You are
See, I've got an idea. Why don't you try it out? Oh, no, mr. Belden. I didn't mean it
Go ahead. You're just enough thinner than I am that it ought to fit you fine. Well, gosh
I hear go ahead try it on college boy can always use a coat
That's a good fit it was made for you. I
I don't know what to say. That's a coat for a king. Well, I guess that makes you a monarch then son
Because it's your coat now
Get over it coat like that mine
I'll bet mom's eyes will really pop when she sees it on me must have cost a year's tuition
I climbed back into the car and slouched down into the maroon leather seat
And waited for him while he made a phone call
Boy, I felt like a king. All right. I was deep in a daydream when he came out of the phone booth. Okay, Rach. Here we go
Oh
Hey look a straight, huh? I drew a straight 2j 3 4 5 6 really straight
That's the highest hand today. That'll be tough to beat darn tough
We drove for quite a while not talking much
We'd left highway 101 at Santa Ynez where we got the hamburgers
There weren't many cars on the road and Belvin hadn't been able to draw anything to beat my straight
In fact, he seemed to lose interest in the game
He was concentrating on the road. It was a treacherous road
Curved and high full of hairpin turns, but he handled the car beautifully taking those curves fast
But sure never slowing down a bit. I like speed but all of a sudden I felt nervous
The way he was hugging the edge. I turned to look at him to say something
And the words stuck in my throat
Changed no more the smiling host
Instead he was fastened to the wheel like a hawk. That's what he looked like a hawk ready to strike
I was tongue-tied at the changing. I guess my reflexes worked slowly, but his didn't he threw open his door twisted the wheel
Hey, so long sonny
So long sonny. He jumped clear and when the car hurtled into space. I was alone in it
My head smashed into the windshield another joke threw me against the door
I'm not too clear at this point, but the next thing I knew I was flying through space again only this time
I was free of the car. I
landed
Sprawled against the side of the hill I began to slip to roll. I
I grabbed wildly desperately for just anything to stop myself when it happened. It was the trunk of it
Twisted narrowed old tree that grew out of the hillside
Hit me square in the stomach knocked the wind right out of me. I
Lay there to hurt to care
It was a minute or two before I got up enough breath to move
Finally I edged my way up the cliff hand over hand
it was brutal, but I
Surprised to discover that I hadn't fallen as far as it seemed
I was climbing around the bows of boulders not more than eight feet from roadside level when I looked
There was building a gun in his hand
I ducked in the bullets scaled off the boulders
He wanted me dead that was for sure. He wanted to kill me. Why why I
waited crouched
Then I heard the horn
Came out from behind the boulders crawled up on the road Belden was nowhere in sight
I didn't see what kind of a car it was. I I didn't even think to look all I saw was
He'd beat my straight
4l 55 55 that was the license 4l 5 5 5 5
4 of a kind
All of a sudden I was shaking I I looked at myself
beat up cut
filthy
But what was worse the Campbell's hair coat was a mess
King I
Had to laugh Belden was king. I was just the Joker
My back hurt my head
throbbed
Thanks all over
But I walked every inch of the way back to San Inez
It was dark by the time I got there
When I stood in front of the police station, I realized for the first time the meaning of the word
sanctuary I
Took a deep breath. I
wanted to tell the police as straight as story as possible. I
opened the door
There is officer
That's the boy who stole my car forced me out took my coat just look in the side pocket of the coat
You'll find my wallet
For suspense auto light is bringing you mr. Gregory Peck in radio's outstanding theater of thrills
suspense
I'm sure getting a big kick out of Gregory Peck tonight. Good. Maybe you'll put that old picture album away now
Why Mary don't you like old photos?
No, they make us look so silly
Besides all they've made you do is talk about auto light and when it comes to auto light
I'd rather listen to Frank Martin
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They work in complete harmony with your car's entire electrical system
Car owners everywhere tell us auto light batteries are the greatest batteries ever built heck Mary
I could have told you all that never stopped looking at this
Oh quiet half so friends stop at your neighborhood auto light dealers and get an auto light stay full battery
Then you'll know what fast starts really are and remember this the auto light stay full battery
You buy needs water only three times a year in normal car use, you know, Mary
I can repeat every word Frank Martin said about auto light stay full batteries auto lights
They
Now auto light brings back to a Hollywood soundstage
Mr. Gregory Peck is Ridge Fowler in hitchhike poker a tail well calculated to keep you in
suspense
Be what was Belden doing here in the police station? What was he trying to pull?
I knew even before I put my hand in the coat that Belden's wallet would be there
And I knew too that the police would never believe me no matter what I said
I was trapped the desk sergeant was waiting for me to talk but
My throat was dry. My tongue was paralyzed my brain spinning
Well, what do you get to save yourself? You don't understand you see he gave me the coat
I didn't know about the wallet that the best you can do but I tell you he picked me up when I was hitchhiking
I was going home from school for the weekend. Then he forced me off the road. He tried to kill me
He shot at me sergeant. Let the boy go but mr. Belden. I've changed my mind
I don't intend to press charges, but this gets crazy easy sergeant. He's a war veteran. Oh, I
See. Oh, no, no
Lock me up, please. Don't believe him
Everyone is entitled to one mistake any boy who is big enough to come into the police station voluntarily give himself up deserves another chance
If I could have erased the memory of his face when I came up twisted that wheel and screamed so long Sonny
All these benevolent words would have fooled me like they were fooling the desk sergeant
Belden was bursting with sweetness and light but every word he said to release me only tightened the web tighter
And I knew just as sure as I was standing there that he wasn't through with
Walking out of that door would be like releasing the clay bird at a trap shoot. Well, it's up to you. Mr
Belden if you're sure he won't cause any more trouble
I'm positive that after tonight this young man will be no trouble to anyone
No trouble to anyone after tonight. I had to get away from there. I had to run
I
Don't know how long I ran. I didn't know where I was the town was behind me. I stopped
out of breath I
Tried to light a cigarette
My hands shook like I had the palsy. It was like the South Pacific
Snipers and trees, but but what trees where?
Then I saw the bright glaring neon ahead
Mackinac was one sign said and wayside rest trucks. Welcome the other
Just a dinky service station in a lunch wagon, but it was an oasis to me
party
What's the matter bud? You sick? No. No, I'm I'm all right
You sure look green here on the gills been in a fight
How soon will the truck start coming through? You got a long wait about two three hours
Been in an accident. Look mister. I've got to get a ride to Ojai. Do you mind if I hang around and wait?
I don't mind won't do no good though
Ain't allowed to pick up riders company rules might be lucky and catch a wildcatter, but I doubt it
Oh, thanks. You sure you're all right
Maybe you better go next door and get yourself a cup of coffee sure look like you could use one. Yeah
That's a good idea. Hey if a ride turns up, I'll call you. Thanks Mac. Oh, I'm not Mac. I'm Al
Mac works days
I
Felt halfway decent when I came out of the lunch wagon
I'd clean myself up and reduce my capital to 50
Al had a customer
Huh, I got you a ride though. Oh you have who with the little lady here. She's been driving all day. Got an awful headache
She's going straight though. Hi. Here's the fella. I was telling you about lady that needed to ride to oh, hi. Oh
I'm afraid you misunderstood. I I just said I wished I had somebody to drive me
Oh, I don't blame you for not wanting to take a ride
Oh, I don't blame you for not wanting to take a rider, but I'd appreciate it if you change your mind
I've got to get to oh hi tonight
Well, I I am tired. Oh go ahead miss easy nice fella
Well, if you'll vouch for now, wait a minute lady. I don't vouch for anybody
Alright, I guess it'll be alright
It
Was a pleasure to drive for her she didn't say much and I didn't feel like talking she just sat there beside me
Her eyes closed resting
once in a while I
Snatched a quick look at her. She had long dark eyelashes resting on her
Marble like cheeks hands folded in her lap. I
I found myself remembering when the right girl comes along. I
Was trying to remember who said it when I saw her looking at me
Feel better much better
I'm ashamed of myself hesitating to let you drive my car. I'm afraid I'm over cautious. Oh, I wouldn't say that
Can't be too careful one reads of such awful things happening on the road. Yeah
I hadn't thought of Belden since we left Al's gas station
Now he was back in the front of my mind
You're going awfully fast. These curves are treacherous. I guess I'm just anxious to get home. Yes
Do you want to kill us both you almost I'm sorry I
What are you honking now for he's gone your your horn
About it. Oh nothing. I I
Thought I'd heard it before
before
Look, maybe I'd better draw. Oh, no. No, I'm sorry. I'll be alright. I'm sorry
I'd be sewing up my sleeves if I didn't get a hold of myself
I must have been crazy thinking that her horn was
The same as the one that had honked for me
Thinking that her horn was the same as the one that had honked for Belden when I was hanging on the side of that hill
It was just a horn a lot of horns sound alike. I
Tried to steady myself. I didn't want her to catch on how rattled I was I turned to her to apologize
Putting a cigarette in her mouth, but it was purely automatic. She was sitting up straight tense
Her eyes were glued to the road ahead
And it hit me I'd been over this road earlier tonight with Belden
Suddenly it loomed up that that wide bank curve just ahead the spot where Belden had tried to kill me
My hands froze on the wheel my breath and then I saw her hand reach out. What are you doing?
Let go of my wrist what's wrong with you? I was only reaching for the cigarette lighter on the dashboard
Oh, I'm sorry that that curve back there it pull over and stop pull over I'm going to drive
She drove about a mile I guess
Neither one of us said anything
Then without any warning she took a sharp turn off the highway and down a rutted dirt road
Hey miss, you're leaving the highway. We better stop a while. You don't look so well. Oh, I'm alright now
You don't look it better have a drink. I'll reach in the glove compartment to find some scotch. Oh, no really I'm alright
Well, then maybe I need it
Maybe it was the drink
Maybe it was the girl
Maybe it was just relief
But I felt peace for the first time that night. I
watched her inhale
the glow from the
Cigarette lit up her high cheekbones. I couldn't see her eyes until she turned her head
What's your name Ridge?
Mine's Virginia
Hi
You must think I'm pretty much of a jerk the way I've been acting. It's all right
Things like that happen to everybody. Yeah, I guess so
Look, I'm alright now. I could drive
But you're hurry. Well, I I thought what's the matter? Don't you like to sit here with me? Oh, no, it's just
I
Thought you were in a hurry. I'm not
now
Are you?
No
No, I
I'm in no hurry at all
She didn't seem to be moving it was so gradual I
I caught a trace of warm perfume in her hair
She smiled at me one of those
Elusive smiles half innocent half
Her head touched my shoulder I
Accepted the invitation I
Like you rich I like you a lot. Yeah
You know
tonight back in the filling station when I first saw you I
What's the matter rich the miniature license tag on your key ring? Yes for l-5555
four of a kind for the
you play
License plate poker. I'm afraid so ridge four fives
The license of the car that picked Belden up after he tried to kill me. That's right. Then you're in it with with me sunny
The car hard
God but it would have been much easier if I had only my mind functioned everything else seemed
Paralyzed well, you took your time getting here. I was delayed. He was supposed to be here waiting
What if I hadn't been able to keep him? Oh, I knew I could depend on you darling to detain him
What is that supposed to mean? Do you have to go as far as you're dead? Jeff? Let him kiss you
Do you know a better way to keep a man on ice?
Perfect wife a little help me. Oh, shut up. Put him in the back seat. Now just a moment, darling
I'm gonna do it right this time. There'll be no slip-ups. You fool put that gun away
Why don't you realize if a bullet is found in the body? It won't be accidental death
Always so right aren't you darling only because you're so stupid stupid. Am I who planned this whole thing?
You did and badly if you'd handle it right in the first place
His body would be burned up by now along with the car now put him in the back
Belden's wife, but what?
Why do they want to kill me? Why?
Belden picked me up throw me in the back of the car
Huh hand me the wrench Virginia Stuart
Oh, it's time warm black oblivion rushed over me
after a second
The pain was gone
And so was I
Oh
We've had was like a short wave receiver now static now clear now clear now static now
Anything behind us? Nobody we're almost there. Are you sure no one has discovered the car yet? Of course
I'm the way it's lying
Nobody will see it till daylight and then J. Stuart Belden will be found dead burned to an unrecognizable crisp
We could shake this place go to South America. You can go
I have to stick around remember to collect the insurance and pretend I'm heartbroken. You're dead. Well, that'd be so hard
You didn't talk like this when you married me, but of course there was a lot more money then yes
Swindled from suckers since when have you become fussy about where money comes from? What's changed you the schoolboy? Don't be a fool
All right. We've got to work fast. Give me a hand with them. Wait. Here comes a car
The
End of the line but anyway now I knew why I was a stand-in for a corpse
This was it they were on either side of me
I had to think think straight my body still felt numb one chance of only my muscles coordinated
I'd wait till he dragged me out of the car and then I'd fight Virginia get the gasoline can out. I
Felt him grab me under the armpits
I opened my eyes just in time to see that murderous wrench in the girl's hand as she brought it down my eyes closed
Hit me hard, but it wasn't the wrench it was Belden the wrench had folded him up and he collapsed on top of me
My body was alert now I didn't know what would come next but I was ready for it
She pulled Belden's body off me. She wasn't aware of me watching her
She was too busy dragging Belden over to the rim of the cliff. She was transfigured with hate
Well Stuart, it's how you planned it
accidental death
And then she kicked him and he disappeared all of a sudden
I didn't wait to see anymore. I crawled out of that car and I started to run right down the middle of the road. She saw me
Wait, stop! Wait, Rich!
But I kept right on going
I glanced back. She started the car. She was coming right at me
First I thought she was just trying to catch up to me then I realized she was trying to run me down
She was trying to kill me. I was crossing to the left side of the road. She was right behind me
It was just a question of seconds and suddenly around the bend she was running
I thought she was trying to catch me and I was running and I was running and I was running and I was running
It was just a question of seconds and suddenly around the bend a big truck. I was sandwiched between them
I stood
stunned with horror her scream ringing through my head and the picture of her in the car
swerving off into space into the
canyon below
Hey, bud, you all right?
Yeah, what happened? She
She went off the road a crazy woman driver. We'll have to report it. Come on. I'll give you a ride into town
Do you hear me? Don't you want to write? Yeah
Yeah
Sure. What are you staring at? You're your license plate
CM
1111 hey, it wasn't my fault. You saw how it happened for races
for races
I'd won. I've taken the last hand
But as long as I live
I'll jump out of my skin whenever a car pulls up and a voice asks
Want a ride young fella?
Thank you Gregory Peck for a splendid performance. Mr. Peck will return in just a moment
Thank you get back to your old picture album after that performance have no
Guess I'll just listen to Frank Martin go to bed
You probably dream I'm in the Sahara without an auto light staple battery as friends like the faithful camel of the Sahara Desert the auto light
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And now here again is mr. Gregory Peck it's been a great pleasure to appear here tonight with this fine cast of suspense actors
And I'm expecting almost as much pleasure from listening next Thursday when radio's outstanding theater of thrills
Brings you Robert Young and Virginia Bruce in celebration another gripping study in
suspense
Gregory Peck may soon be seen starred in the 20th Century Fox production Yellow Sky
Ed Begley played the part of Belden and Kay Brinker was Virginia
Tonight suspense play was written by John and Gwen Bagney with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Bluskin
The entire production was written by John and Gwen Bagney
The entire production was under the direction of Anton M. Leder
In the coming weeks suspense will present such outstanding stars as Edward G. Robinson Lucille Ball Ray Milan and John Garfield
Make it a point to listen each Thursday to suspense radio's outstanding theater of thrills
And next Thursday same time hear Robert Young and Virginia Bruce in celebration
This is the Auto Light Suspense Show. Attention all men, join the fighting outfit that defends America, the new National Guard. Good night. Switch to Auto Light.
This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.